42-Day Kenya to Cape Town Safari via Victoria Falls – Overland Camping Tour
Embark on an unforgettable Kenya to Cape Town Safari adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This epic overland camping expedition journeys through Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Experience the rich diversity of Africa – from iconic wildlife safaris to cultural encounters and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Quick Overview
Begin your Kenya to Cape Town Safari with thrilling game drives in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, followed by beach bliss in Zanzibar. Explore the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, unwind on the shores of Lake Malawi, and go on safari in South Luangwa National Park. Marvel at Victoria Falls, cruise the Chobe River, explore the Okavango Delta, and witness the grandeur of Namibia’s deserts and canyons. Conclude your adventure in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa.
Day 1: Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania
Kick off your Kenya to Cape Town Safari in Nairobi and head to Arusha via the scenic route past Mount Kilimanjaro. Overnight at a campsite in Arusha, preparing for a 3-day safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2–3: Serengeti National Park
Travel through the Great Rift Valley to Serengeti National Park in 4×4 safari vehicles. Enjoy incredible wildlife sightings including the Big Five. Overnight in Meru-style safari tents in Seronera. Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari available.
Included: Half Day & Full Day Game Drives
Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, before heading to Karatu for the night.
Included: Full-day Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Karatu to Arusha
Visit Mto wa Mbu village and market before returning to Arusha. Experience the culture and taste local red bananas.
Included: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Arusha to Bagamoyo
Travel to Tanzania’s coast and stay in Bagamoyo, known for dhow boat building and its rich historical roots.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7–8: Bagamoyo to Zanzibar Island
Take a ferry to Zanzibar Island for beach relaxation and activities like snorkeling, village tours, and dhow cruises.
Included: Zanzibar Ferry Transfer
Optional: Dhow Trips, Scuba Diving, Forest Visits, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 9: Stone Town, Zanzibar
Enjoy a guided walking tour of historic Stone Town and experience a Spice Tour in local plantations. Explore the night food markets in Forodhani Gardens.
Included: Walking Tour, Spice Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Ferry back to Dar es Salaam and check into a hotel. Enjoy coastal culture, markets, and local cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11–12: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
Head inland to Mikumi National Park. Relax or enjoy optional game drives and cultural activities.
Optional: Mikumi Safari, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Mikumi to Iringa
Drive through the Baobab Valley and overnight at a farm overlooking the Ruaha River Valley.
Included: Baobab Valley Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Iringa to Mbeya Mountains
Visit a working coffee plantation and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Mbeya Mountains.
Included: Coffee Tour & Tasting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Mbeya to Lake Malawi
Cross into Malawi and descend to the pristine shores of Lake Malawi. Known for its scenic beauty and warm people, Lake Malawi is a tranquil escape and a key highlight of this Kenya to Cape Town Safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16 & 17: Ngala Beach – Lake Malawi, Malawi
On Day 16, our overland journey continues south along the scenic shores of Lake Malawi, heading toward the peaceful Ngala Beach in the central lake region. Here, Adventure In The Wild Safaris invites you to unwind for two blissful nights. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere, relax at camp, or explore a variety of optional activities available at this idyllic lakeside destination.
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi and discover a colorful underwater world dominated by endemic cichlids. Other optional adventures include birdwatching, kayaking, horse riding, waterfall hikes, or walking along the lake’s edge past traditional fishing villages for an authentic local experience.
- Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Horse Riding, Kayaking, Paddle Skiing, Waterfall Hike
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 18 & 19: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Wake up to a final sunrise over Lake Malawi before traveling west into Zambia. After border formalities, we stop in Chipata and continue to South Luangwa National Park—one of Zambia’s most celebrated wildlife areas. Our riverside campsite offers scenic views and frequent wildlife sightings from the comfort of camp.
Enjoy a sunset game drive through South Luangwa, known for its abundance of leopards and four of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo). During the dry season (April to December), join an optional walking safari—a thrilling and intimate way to explore the African bush.
- Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
- Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 20: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia
Today we leave the Luangwa Valley and journey west along the Great East Road. En route, we visit the Mulberry Mongoose—a unique craft initiative where local women create jewelry using recycled materials, including wire from poacher snares. We then travel to our overnight campsite in the small town of Petauke.
- Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia
Continuing west on the Great East Road, we stop at Luangwa Market—a vibrant and colorful trading post near the Luangwa River. Browse local produce, traditional crafts, and handmade curios before continuing to our safari camp just outside Lusaka. This tranquil bush camp is home to impala, zebra, giraffe, and diverse birdlife.
- Included Activity: Luangwa Market Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia
Adventure In The Wild Safaris brings you to Livingstone, home of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” this powerful waterfall is an unforgettable sight.
You’ll have free time to explore Victoria Falls and choose from a wide range of optional adventure activities, from white-water rafting on the Zambezi River to scenic helicopter or microlight flights, bungee jumping, and boat cruises.
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, White Water Rafting, Scenic Flights, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, and more
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 23: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Spend a full day enjoying the beauty of Victoria Falls. A transfer is included from Livingstone to the Zimbabwean side, where you’ll camp for the night. Choose either a morning or afternoon transfer depending on how you’d like to structure your day of exploration and adventure.
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Scenic Flights, Bungee Jumping, White Water Rafting
- Meals: No meals included
Day 24: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
After a relaxed morning, we cross into Botswana and head to Kasane, where we set up camp along the Chobe River. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise into Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and excellent water-based wildlife viewing.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: Kasane to Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans) – Botswana
Today, Adventure In The Wild Safaris takes you south through the dry landscapes of the Kalahari Desert to Nata, near the iconic Makgadikgadi Pans. These expansive salt flats are remnants of an ancient lake and attract thousands of birds during the rainy season. We explore the pan on an afternoon drive.
- Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 26: Nata to Maun & Khwai Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
We travel to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here, you may opt for a scenic flight over the delta. Then, we switch to 4×4 vehicles and head deep into the Khwai Conservation Area for two nights of camping and mokoro excursions. Glide through tranquil waterways and enjoy guided bush walks on remote islands.
- Included Activity: Mokoro Canoe Trip
- Optional Activity: Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 27: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Spend a full day exploring Moremi Game Reserve, one of the most biodiverse wildlife areas in Botswana. Spot lions, elephants, leopards, antelope, and more across varied landscapes including floodplains, forests, and savannahs. This is an exceptional game-viewing experience in the Okavango Delta.
- Included Activity: Full-Day Game Drive in Moremi
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 28: Khwai to Maun – Botswana
After a relaxing morning, we journey back to Maun with a final drive through the delta. Back in town, enjoy free time to relax or take another optional scenic flight to appreciate the Okavango from above.
- Optional Activity: Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Maun to Divundu – Namibia
Our overland safari continues into Namibia, tracing the course of the Kavango River. We camp beside the river in Divundu and enjoy an evening boat cruise, offering superb wildlife viewing and sunset photography opportunities along the serene riverbanks.
- Included Activity: Kavango River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30: Divundu to Etosha National Park – Namibia
Today we travel across rural Namibia to reach Etosha National Park, one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations. The park’s vast salt pan and surrounding savannah attract a rich diversity of wildlife, promising an exciting continuation of our safari adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Kenya to Cape Town Safari: Etosha, Namib Desert & Beyond
Day 31 & 32: Explore Etosha National Park – Namibia
The next two days of our Kenya to Cape Town Safari are dedicated to unforgettable game drives through Etosha National Park. Spot wildlife at waterholes and enjoy prime views from our elevated overland safari truck. Etosha’s sparse vegetation and dry climate make animal sightings especially rewarding. Look out for desert-adapted species, from elephants and lions to cheetahs, giraffes, and over 340 bird species.
Included Activities: Etosha Game Drives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Day 33: Etosha National Park to Brandberg – Namibia
We say goodbye to Etosha and travel to the dramatic Brandberg Mountains, Namibia’s highest peaks. A guided hike leads us to the famous White Lady rock painting, believed to be over 2,000 years old. The hike follows a scenic trail along the Tsisab River gorge, offering insights into the region’s ancient history.
Included Activity: Brandberg Hike & Rock Art
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 34 & 35: Brandberg to Swakopmund – Namibia
We journey to Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital, stopping at the unique Lichen Fields and the quaint coastal town of Wlotskasbaken for some incredible photo opportunities. Swakopmund welcomes us with a mix of German architecture, ocean views, and optional adrenaline-filled activities like quad biking, sandboarding, and dolphin cruises.
Included Activities: Lichen Fields, Wlotskasbaken Visit
Optional Activities: Skydiving, Sandboarding, Dolphin Cruise, Quad Biking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Day 34), Breakfast (Day 35)
Day 36: Swakopmund to Sesriem (Namib Desert) – Namibia
Leaving the coast behind, we head into the heart of the Namib Desert, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn along the way. We enjoy a guided desert walk with a local expert who shares fascinating insights into desert life and San survival techniques. Camp under the stars amid iconic red dunes.
Included Activities: Tropic of Capricorn, Guided Desert Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 37: Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Before dawn, we head into Namib-Naukluft National Park to climb Dune 45 and witness the sunrise over the dunes. We then transfer via 4×4 to explore the surreal beauty of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, capturing epic images of the stark desert landscapes and ancient camelthorn trees.
Included Activities: Dune 45 Climb, Transfer to Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 38: Namib Desert – Namibia
A well-deserved rest day in the Namib Desert. Enjoy optional self-guided walks from camp and take in the vast, serene desert surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 39: Namib Desert to Keetmanshoop – Namibia
Travel to Keetmanshoop, stopping to visit the famous Quiver Tree Forest and the geological wonder of the Giants Playground. These natural formations are must-see highlights on our Kenya to Cape Town Safari route.
Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 40: Keetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon & Orange River – Namibia
We visit the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the second-largest in the world. After admiring the canyon, we continue south to the Orange River and relax at our riverside campsite. Optional canoeing offers a peaceful way to enjoy the landscape and wildlife.
Included Activities: Fish River Canyon
Optional Activity: Orange River Canoe Trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 41: Orange River to Citrusdal (Cederberg Mountains) – South Africa
Crossing into South Africa, we travel through Namaqualand and the Cederberg Mountains, known for their unique flora, citrus farms, and rooibos tea. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner as we reflect on the journey of our Kenya to Cape Town Safari.
Included Highlight: Traditional South African Dinner
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 42: Citrusdal to Cape Town – South Africa
Our epic overland journey concludes in the beautiful city of Cape Town. En route, we stop for panoramic views of Table Mountain, a fitting end to our unforgettable Kenya to Cape Town Safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Additional Safari Information
Pre- and Post-Tour Accommodation: It’s advisable to arrive in Nairobi the day before departure and depart Cape Town the day after the tour ends. Speak to Adventure In The Wild Safaris for accommodation options.
This Camping Overland Tour is also available as a lodge-based option for more comfort. It can be done in reverse (Cape Town to Nairobi).
The Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of nature’s greatest spectacles, with millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traveling between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. The best time to witness the migration is June–August (Grumeti River) and July–September (Mara River).
Consult Adventure In The Wild Safaris for expert guidance and current migration updates to plan your trip around this incredible phenomenon.
Optional Activities by Country
Tanzania: Masai Village Visit, Olduvai Gorge
Zanzibar: Snorkeling, Diving, Fishing, Motorbike Hire
Malawi: Horse Riding, Village Walks, Livingstonia Hike
Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls: Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Rides, Zip-lining
For up-to-date pricing on optional activities, contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.